Frant, East Sussex

Frant is a historic village and civil parish located in East Sussex, just inside the border with Kent and about three miles south of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The village sits at the northern edge of the High Weald, a sandstone ridge known for its ancient woodlands and diverse wildlife. The River Teise flows through the parish, which includes several Sites of Special Scientific Interest such as Eridge Park, Eridge Green, and High Rocks, noted for their biological and geological importance.

The village has roots dating back to at least 100 BC, with archaeological finds revealing early settlements. Frant’s name derives from the Anglo-Saxon term for “place of the fern” or “place of the bracken,” reflecting its lush surroundings. Historically, the village was linked to the iron industry and was once owned by ironmasters. It also has a smuggling past from the 17th and 18th centuries, with the old turnpike road, now the A267, running through it.

St Alban’s Church is a notable landmark, having served as a major surveying point during the Anglo-French Survey of the late 18th century. The village hosts three public houses, including the George Inn, famous for the annual Sloe Gin World Championships. Frant is also the burial place of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the engineer behind Ottawa’s Rideau Canal.